Optima's Estes named 'Banker of the Year'

fosters.com

Writer

Posted Dec. 19, 2010 at 3:15 AM

Posted Dec. 19, 2010 at 3:15 AM

PORTSMOUTH — Carol Estes, vice president of commercial lending at Optima Bank & Trust, has been named Small Business Administration 504 "Banker of the Year" in New Hampshire by the Granite State Development Corporation.

"Carol secured over $3.5 million of SBA 504 financing for our customers," said Steve Aldrich, senior vice president of GSDC. "This represents about $10 million in projects that will grow business and create jobs."

As he presented the "Banker of the Year" award to Estes recently, Aldrich also said that Estes' hard work and commitment to her customers helped make Optima the third most active bank in fiscal year 2010 in New Hampshire with the GSDC.

"The Optima Bank commercial loan department has exceeded all expectations," he said. "Optima's SBA 504 loans represented 10 percent of all loans approved in New Hampshire by GSDC."

The SBA 504 program is used by small businesses to acquire long-term fixed assets. The majority of the loans involve the acquisition, renovation or construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate, Aldrich said.

"For me, it's all about getting the customers, many of them start-up companies, what they need," Estes said. "In this economic environment, you have to use the best credit enhancements available and that's what the SBA 504 program is all about."

William Young, senior vice president and chief lending officer of Optima, agreed.

"The SBA 504 program is an ideal tool to help businesses grow or expand because it requires less cash down," he said. "It allows businesses to keep more of their money for working capital."

By qualifying for the SBA 504 program, Estes' customers now will undertake some $10 million in projects, paving the way for job creation and business growth for nearly a dozen companies throughout the region, according to Aldrich.

"I love being able to assist business owners as they look for the best way to grow and thrive," Estes said. "It's all about finding the best financial solution for someone to succeed."

To learn more about Optima Bank & Trust, stop by or call one of their two locations, at Two Harbour Place in Portsmouth (603-433-9600) or 26 Lafayette Road in North Hampton (603-433-9633), or visit www.optimabank.com.